U.S. patent application number 11/518817 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-13 for powder container.
Invention is credited to Rahul Bose, Roger Hwang, Koushik Kohli, Leo Clifford Pires, Iti Seth.
Application Number | 20080060674 11/518817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39168348 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080060674 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pires; Leo Clifford ; et
al. |
March 13, 2008 |
Powder container
Abstract
A loose powder container is provided. The powder container
includes a cap and a receptacle for storing the loose powder. The
cap includes a brush integrated into the cap. The cap also
comprises two sections, such that, in an initial position an upper
section is aligned with respect to a lower section of the cap.
Clockwise rotation of the upper section in order to misalign it
with the lower section of the cap, results in the brush protruding
from the cap. The brush is completely protruded when the upper
section of the cap is re-aligned with the lower section of the cap
upon a 180 degree rotation in the clockwise direction. The fully
protruded brush is twirled around to pick loose powder through a
perforated layer comprised in the receptacle. The brush is
retracted upon anti-clockwise rotation of the upper section, to
align it in the initial position with the lower section.
Inventors: |
Pires; Leo Clifford;
(Basking Ridge, NJ) ; Hwang; Roger; (Maple,
CA) ; Seth; Iti; (New Delhi, IN) ; Bose;
Rahul; (New Delhi, IN) ; Kohli; Koushik;
(Ghaziabed, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON & SHERIDAN L.L.P.
595 SHREWSBURY AVE, STE 100, FIRST FLOOR
SHREWSBURY
NJ
07702
US
|
Family ID: |
39168348 |
Appl. No.: |
11/518817 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1046 20130101;
A46B 11/001 20130101; A45D 33/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/307 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/02 20060101
A45D033/02 |
Claims
1. A container for loose powder, comprising: a receptacle, the
receptacle containing said loose powder and comprising a perforated
panel; a cap to seal the receptacle, the cap comprising: a brush
integrated in the cap, the brush picking powder through the
perforated panel when the brush is protruded; and a rotational
apparatus to perform the protrusion and the retraction of the
brush.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the perforated panel has a
curved shape.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a
protective disc which covers the perforated panel to prevent
spilling of the powder through the perforated panel.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap seals the receptacle
through interlocking grooves.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap further comprises a
brush protector collar to protect the brush from deformation.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises an upper
section and a lower section, the upper section and the lower
section connected through the rotational apparatus and wherein the
upper section and the lower section of the cap are rotated with
respect to each other to protrude and retract the brush.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein misalignment of the upper
section and the lower section of the cap causes the protrusion of
the brush.
8. The container of claim 8, wherein the brush is completely
protruded upon re-alignment of the upper section and the lower
section.
9. The container of claim 6, wherein alignment of the upper section
and the lower section of the cap causes the brush to retract.
10. The container of claim 6, wherein at least one of the upper
section and the lower section of the cap comprises a brush holder,
the brush holder integrating the brush into the cap.
11. A system for containing powder and for application of powder,
the system comprising: an outer jar for holding powder, the jar
comprising an inner jar, wherein the inner jar is fitted inside the
outer jar and the inner jar is perforated; a seal disc, the seal
disc comprising protruding channels; a lower cap having hollow
channels on the inner wall, wherein the hollow channels cover the
protruding channels of the seal disc to fix the lower cap on the
seal disc; a brush holder connected to the lower cap and fitted
inside a center bar, wherein the brush holder is a cylinder with
protrusions on the side walls of the cylinder, the protrusions
fitted in a groove on the wall of the center bar, the protrusions
and the groove allowing the brush holder to slide inside the center
bar; and an upper cap connected to the center bar, wherein rotation
of the upper cap slides the brush holder inside the center bar.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the outer jar is covered by a
bottom disc on one side.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the bottom disc is removable to
fill the outer jar with powder.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the inner jar is covered with a
protective disc to prevent spilling of the powder through the
perforations on the inner jar.
15. A method for application of loose powder from a powder
container having an integrated brush, the method comprising the
steps of: removing a cap from a receptacle, the receptacle having
powder and comprising a perforated panel, wherein the cap has an
upper section and a lower section, the upper section and the lower
section being aligned in an initial position; rotating the upper
section of the cap in a first direction to misalign the upper
section and the lower section to protrude a brush comprised in the
cap; twirling the protruded brush inside the receptacle over the
perforated panel to pick powder from the receptacle; applying the
powder picked by the protruded brush; and rotating the upper
section of the cap in the reverse direction to align the upper
section and the lower section in the initial position to retract
the brush in the cap.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rotation of the upper
section of the cap in a first direction comprises re-aligning the
upper section and the lower section through a 180 degree rotation
of the upper section in the first direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers for
powder. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
container for cosmetic powder having an integrated applicator.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Powder is a solid substance in the form of tiny loose
particles. Powder that is used for application on the human body,
especially the face, is known as cosmetic powder.
[0003] Cosmetic powder is mainly available in two forms--compressed
or compact, and loose. Compressed cosmetic powder has a consistent
solid cake form and it is usually packaged in flat-shaped compact
cases. Typically, the case also includes a puff or a brush to help
a user to apply the powder. A puff is a soft applicator device made
from fluffy or deformable fibers. Whereas, a brush is an applicator
device with a tuft of hair or bristles that is firmly attached to a
holder. The puff or brush is rubbed over the compact powder surface
to loosen some surface powder. The loosened powder sticks to the
applicator device, which is then applied to the face.
[0004] However, loose powder as the name suggests, is loose and
therefore it must be specially contained to avoid its spilling.
Conventionally, loose powder is contained in a dispenser with a
multiplicity of perforations on one end of the dispenser. A cap is
provided to seal the perforations and to prevent spilling of the
powder. For application, the cap is removed and the powder is
shaken out of the perforations directly onto a puff, or into a dish
from which it is picked up by a puff or a brush. This may lead to a
waste of powder in case when excess powder is dispensed than what
is required for application. Additionally, the loose powder may
fall out from the perforations into the cap during handling or
transportation of the powder dispenser resulting in a mess when the
cap is removed.
[0005] Moreover, an applicator is required to be carried
separately. This results in extra space requirements in order to
store the applicator. If not handled appropriately, the applicator
may also be deformed.
[0006] It is apparent from the above discussion that there is a
need for a powder container having an integrated applicator and
which addresses the stated shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The shortcomings set forth above are addressed by the
present invention which is a loose powder container including a
brush for application of the powder.
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a loose powder
container comprising an applicator brush, so that a user is not
required to carry an applicator separately.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a container
for loose powder and a brush integrated with the container, so that
a user may directly use the brush to apply the powder from the
container without the need to dispense the powder onto an external
surface.
[0010] Still another object of the invention is to provide a loose
powder container which incorporates an apparatus to prevent the
spilling of the loose powder during handling of the container.
[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
apparatus to protect the bristles of the brush from being deformed
resulting from continuous contact with its surroundings.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an
ergonomic powder applicator.
[0013] The present invention is a container for loose powder having
an integrated applicator brush. The container comprises a
receptacle and a cap. The receptacle stores powder and also
includes a perforated panel through which powder can be picked up
for application. The cap securely seals the receptacle through a
sealing means. The cap also has a brush integrated into the cap and
a rotational means to effect the protrusion and retraction of the
brush. The cap is further comprised of an upper section and a lower
section such that the upper section and the lower section are
aligned with respect to each other in an initial position. In this
initial position, the brush is in a retracted state in the cap. A
user can remove the cap from the receptacle and rotate the upper
section with respect to the lower section of the cap in a first
direction to misalign the two sections. This misalignment of the
upper section and the lower section in the first direction results
in the brush to protrude from the cap. The brush is completely
protruded once the upper section and the lower section are
re-aligned at 180 degrees in the first direction. The user can then
twirl the fully protruded brush inside the receptacle over the
perforated panel to pick powder for application. Once the powder
has been applied using the protruded brush, the upper section is
rotated in the reverse direction to align with the lower section in
the initial position, in which position the brush is completely
retracted into the cap. The cap is then screwed onto the
receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The various features and advantages of the present invention
will be appreciated, as they become better understood by reference
to the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a powder container in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the powder
container with a cap unscrewed from a receptacle and an upper
section and a lower section of the cap aligned with respect to each
other in an initial position in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates the powder container with the cap
unscrewed and the upper section and the lower section of the cap
rotated with respect to each other in a predetermined direction to
be in a misaligned arrangement to protrude a brush;
[0018] FIG. 2C illustrates the powder container with the cap
unscrewed and the upper section and the lower section of the cap
rotated with respect to each other to be completely realigned in
the predetermined direction to completely protrude the brush;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the loose powder container in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG.4 is a perspective view of an outer jar in accordance
with an embodiment of the receptacle of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inner jar in accordance
with an embodiment of the receptacle of the present invention;
and
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a protective disc in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention provides a container for loose powder.
The powder container includes a cap that securely seals the
container through a sealing apparatus. The cap is split into two
sections which are aligned with respect to each other in an initial
position. A brush is integrated into at least one of the sections
of the cap, thereby eliminating the need for a user to carry a
powder applicator separately. Once the cap has been unscrewed from
the container, an upper section of the cap can be rotated with
respect to a lower section of the cap to extend or protrude the
brush so that the user may apply the powder using the protruded
brush.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of a powder container 102 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Powder
container 102 includes a receptacle 104 and a cap 106. Receptacle
104 contains loose powder. Further, receptacle 104 includes a
perforated panel through which powder can be picked up by a brush
for application. In an embodiment, receptacle 104 is also called
outer jar. Additionally, in an embodiment, the perforated panel is
called the inner jar. Cap 106 securely seals receptacle 104 through
a sealing apparatus. Cap 106 includes a brush integrated into cap
106. This brush is positioned in a retracted state inside cap 106
when cap 106 seals the receptacle 104. Further, cap 106 includes
two sections, an upper section 110 and a lower section 108. Upper
section 110 is movable relative to lower section 108 through a
rotational apparatus of the cap 106. In accordance with an
embodiment cap 106 has an ergonomic shape to enable a user to
easily grip rotational apparatus of the cap 106. In accordance with
an embodiment, and the cap 106 and handle the cap.
[0025] FIG. 2A illustrates the powder container with the cap 106
unscrewed and separated from the receptacle in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Cap 106 includes a brush 202,
which is illustrated in the figure to be integrated into the cap.
Brush 202 can be protruded or extended from and retracted into cap
106. This is achieved by aligning or by misaligning upper section
110 and lower section 108 of cap 106 through the rotational
apparatus of the cap. Upper section 110 and lower section 108 of
cap 106 are illustrated to be in an aligned arrangement in FIG. 2A.
In this initial arrangement, the brush is positioned inside the cap
in a retracted state. Brush 202 is received into receptacle 104 in
a retracted state when cap 106 seals receptacle 104. In accordance
with an embodiment, brush 202 is formed of a tuft of bristles which
has an approximate pear shape. In accordance with an embodiment,
the tuft may be formed from either synthetic or natural
bristles.
[0026] FIG. 2B illustrates the powder container with the cap
unscrewed and upper section 110 and lower section 108 rotated with
respect to each other to be in a misaligned arrangement to protrude
or extend brush 202. Once a user unscrews cap 106, the brush is in
a retracted position within the cap. In this initial position,
upper section 110 and lower section 108 are in an aligned
arrangement with respect to each other (as illustrated in FIG. 2A).
To protrude or extend brush 202, the user rotates upper section 110
with respect to lower section 108 in a predetermined direction. In
accordance with an embodiment, upper section 110 is rotated in a
clockwise direction. FIG. 2B illustrates a half-rotation between
upper section 110 and lower section 108, where both sections are
misaligned at approximately 90 degrees with respect to each other.
In this arrangement, brush 202 is in the process of being protruded
or extended from cap 106.
[0027] FIG. 2C illustrates powder container 102 with cap 106
unscrewed and separated. Upper section 110 is completely rotated in
order to be realigned at approximately 180 degrees with lower
section 108, in which position, brush 202 is completely protruded
or extended from cap 106. In accordance with this embodiment of the
cap, there is no possibility for confusion for a user regarding the
degree of rotation required to fully protrude or extend the brush.
The form of the cap breaks or misaligns and then re-aligns to
convey to the user that the rotation is complete and the brush is
fully extended in that state. In accordance with an embodiment, the
effective length of the bristles in a fully extended brush is
approximately 23 mm, from the tip of the bristles to the top base
of lower section 108. Other lengths are within the scope of the
invention.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment, a rotation complete
indicator 204 is provided on the cap, which indicates the direction
in which the user should rotate upper section 110 with respect to
lower section 108. Further, rotation complete indicator 204 only
permits the upper section 110 and the lower section 108 to be
rotated for alignment and realignment to the extent of
approximately 180 degrees and prevents further rotation between the
two sections. In accordance with an embodiment of the cap, a
stopper between upper section 110 and lower section 108 can
prohibit further rotation of upper section 110 in the direction of
its rotation, once upper section 110 is aligned with lower section
108 at 180 degrees.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the powder container in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates the various components comprised
in receptacle 104 and cap 106 in accordance with an embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, receptacle 104 includes a bottom disc 302,
an outer jar 304, and an inner jar 306.
[0030] Bottom disc 302 provides the base for outer jar 304 on which
outer jar 304 can be positioned. In accordance with an embodiment,
bottom disc 302 is made from Polypropylene or other suitable
material. Bottom disc 302 can be detached from outer jar 304 to
fill outer jar 304 with powder. Thus in accordance with an
embodiment, bottom disc 302 affords a refilling apparatus for the
loose powder container of the present invention.
[0031] Outer jar 304 is filled with powder and serves as the
container for the powder. In accordance with an embodiment, outer
jar 304 can be a pot-shaped circular jar with vertical sides and a
narrow opening on the top. The shape of the outer jar 304 has been
described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 4.
[0032] Outer jar 304 includes an inner jar 306 which is detachable
from outer jar 304. Inner jar 306 is circular and has curved
concave side walls. In accordance with an embodiment, inner jar 306
is made of Polypropylene or any suitable material. The bottom of
inner jar 306 is substantially flat and includes perforations like
a sieve. The perforations enable the powder in outer jar 304 to be
picked through inner jar 306 by twirling brush 202 in it. In
accordance with an embodiment, inner jar 306 includes the
perforated panel of the receptacle 104 and through which powder can
be picked up by brush 202. The shape of inner jar 306 has been
described in further detail in conjunction with FIG. 5.
[0033] The various components which are comprised in cap 106 are
now described. As described in conjunction with FIG. 1, cap 106
includes a lower section 108 and an upper section 110. In
accordance with an embodiment, lower section 108 includes a seal
disc 308, a lower cap 310 and a brush holder 312. Also, in
accordance with an embodiment, upper section 110 includes a center
bar 314 and an upper cap 316.
[0034] Seal disc 308 is attached to lower cap 310. In accordance
with an embodiment seal disc 308 may be made of polypropylene. Seal
disc 308 is a circular disc with a concentric hollow circle in its
center. The concentric hollow circle is preferably surrounded by a
circular and vertical wall with vertically protruding channels on
two opposite sides. The hollow circular center of seal disc 308
enables a brush to pass through seal disc 308 to inner jar 306. The
circular and vertical wall acts as a protective collar for the
brush and its bristles. The brush protector collar protects the
bristles of the brush from deformation when the brush protrudes and
retracts. The vertically protruding channels on the circular and
vertical wall enable seal disc 308 to permanently fit itself inside
the inner wall of lower cap 310. The inner wall of lower cap 310
also includes hollow vertical channels to fit the protruding
channels of seal disc 308.
[0035] Lower cap 310 is circular in shape and configured such that
it fits onto the narrow opening on the top of outer jar 304. In
accordance with an embodiment, lower cap 310 has helical grooves on
the bottom part of its inner wall. These helical grooves cooperate
or interface with the lower cap 310 with outer jar 304 to enable
the sealing and opening of the powder container. However, the
invention should not be construed to be limited to the use of
interlocking helical grooves as the sealing apparatus means for the
powder container. Other commonly known mechanisms can also be used
for the purpose.
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment, lower cap 310 has a
narrower shape on its top and widens towards its bottom. Also, in
an embodiment, lower cap 310 is oval and flat in shape towards its
top. Further, lower cap 310 is hollow in shape to allow a brush to
pass through lower cap 310 into inner jar 306. In addition, the
inner part of the flat top of lower cap 310 includes opposite pair
of vertical hollow channels. These channels provide a mechanism to
fit brush holder 312 to lower cap 310. In accordance with an
embodiment lower cap 310 may be made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene (ABS).
[0037] Brush holder 312 has a circular base with a hollow circular
center. Outer walls of the circular base have a pair of opposite
protruding channels that fit into the vertical hollow channels of
the flat top of lower cap 310. The hollow circular center of brush
holder 312 is surrounded by a vertically protruding wall. The inner
side of the vertically protruding wall holds the brush. The outer
side of the vertically protruding wall of brush holder 312 has a
pair of opposite protruding notches. These notches fit inside
sliding channels on the vertical walls of center bar 314. In
accordance with an embodiment brush holder 312 may be made of
polypropylene.
[0038] Center bar 314 is a cylindrical device which has a
spiral-shaped hollow channel on its wall. In accordance with an
embodiment center bar 314 may be made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene (ABS). Protruding notches of brush holder 312 are engaged
in the hollow channel. Center bar 314 is further attached to upper
cap 316. Upper cap 316 is configured in an oval shape to match the
shape of the upper part of lower cap 310. Upper cap 316 can be
rotated with respect to lower cap 310. The brush is fixed to the
inner top part of upper cap 316. In an embodiment, the inner top
part of upper cap 316 is flat. The brush fixed inside upper cap 316
passes through center bar 314 and brush holder 312. In accordance
with an embodiment upper cap 316 may be made of Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
[0039] The operation of the powder container for application of the
powder is described hereafter in accordance with the embodiment
described in FIG. 3. The powder container is opened by unscrewing
cap 106 from receptacle 104, that is, lower cap 310 unscrews outer
jar 304. A user rotates upper cap 316 in one direction. Upon
rotating upper cap 316, center bar 314 also rotates. The rotation
of center bar 316 causes the notches of brush holder 312 to slide
down on its hollow spiral-shaped channel. The downward sliding
movement causes the brush inside brush holder 312 to also slide
downwards, hence causing the brush to protrude. In accordance with
an embodiment, the rotation apparatus of cap 106 includes the
center bar which when rotated causes the movement of the upper cap
316 with respect to the lower cap 310, both being comprised in cap
106. Further, the mechanism incorporated in the shape of the brush
holder which causes the downward sliding movement of the brush upon
rotation is the protrusion apparatus in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention. The rotation of upper section
110 and lower section 108 with respect to each other causing the
resulting protrusion of brush 202 is not only limited to the
mechanism described herein. Any other mechanism may be used for the
purpose.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an outer jar in accordance with an
embodiment of the receptacle of the present invention. The outer
jar illustrated in FIG. 4 has a narrow opening at the top. This
narrow opening may include helical grooves on its outer wall. The
helical grooves provide an interfacing mechanism for locking cap
106 of the powder container with respect to the outer jar 304 and
consequently with respect to receptacle 104. Alternatively, other
commonly known interfacing mechanisms, such as a click-lock
mechanism, can also be used for the sealing of the outer jar 304.
In an embodiment, the narrow circular opening of outer jar 304 has
a diameter of approximately 38 mm and the broader circular base of
outer jar 304 has a diameter of approximately 50.8 mm. Also, in
accordance with an embodiment, the height of outer jar 304 is
approximately 43 mm. However, all the dimensions of outer jar 304
should not be construed to be limited to the numbers mentioned
above. These dimensions may vary with other embodiments. Further,
in accordance with an embodiment, outer jar 304 may be made of
Styrene-Acrylonitrile.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an inner jar in accordance with an
embodiment of the receptacle of the present invention. Inner jar
306 comprises perforations 502. In accordance with an embodiment,
perforations 502 are small orifices. However other shapes of
perforations can also be used. Additionally, the size of
perforations 502 can be determined based on the utility of the
powder container and the amount of powder desired for application.
For instance, the size of the perforations can be smaller if the
powder container is meant for cosmetic blush powder. In another
case, a larger size of perforations can be configured if the powder
container is to be used for applying face powder.
[0042] In accordance with an embodiment, the diameter of the broad
top side of inner jar 306 is approximately 36.6 mm and that of its
narrow bottom side is less than approximately 35 mm. Also, in
accordance with an embodiment, the height of inner jar 306 is
approximately 23.04 mm. However, all the dimensions of inner jar
306 should not be construed to be limited to the numbers mentioned
above. These dimensions may vary with other embodiments.
[0043] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
inner jar 306 is covered with a protective disc. Protective disc
seals the perforations in inner jar 306 to prevent the spilling of
the powder from the receptacle during handling or transportation of
the powder container. The protective disc should be removed to
apply the powder from the powder container in accordance with the
various embodiments of the invention. In accordance with an
embodiment, the protective disc may be made from polypropylene. An
exemplary protective disc 602 is illustrated in FIG. 6. A tab 604
emerging from protective disc can be used to pull the disc out from
the receptacle and render the perforations open for application of
the powder.
[0044] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be clear that the present
invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents
will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the
claims.
* * * * *